The Benefits Of Seams In Crochet Clothing Patterns
Seamed versus unseamed crochet clothing patterns – where do you stand? It’s a bit of a big topic in the realm of indie crochet and knitting pattern design, especially for people who are new to making crochet clothing,
When starting out, most people prefer working in the round, because it’s such a simple, easy thing to do in crochet. But garments made in the round can have a few design issues:
- Mainly, the single seam made when working in the round is hard to hide and often slants. There are ways to combat this and seams can sometimes be strategically placed, but most of the time they wind up placed in a very visible spot.
- Crocheted clothing will stretch over time, especially when made in a looser stitch. Certain fibers are also more prone to stretching, as well, like cotton. When this happens in a single seam garment, the garment can stretch unevenly or twist, making it uncomfortable to wear.
The Benefits Of Seams In Crochet Clothing Patterns
If you take a look at my current pattern collection, you’ll see that I’m a big advocate for seamed garments. When I first started making crochet clothing of my own, mostly simple tank tops, I crocheted in the round, but as I learned more about designing clothing, what elements I like in a design, and designing more complicated and detailed patterns, I began to work in panels and using seams.
Less Stretching Out of Shape Over Time and Wear
Side and shoulder seams give garments structure. As mentioned above, in-the-round garments can stretch unevenly and twist with wear, and side seams can help prevent both of those issues.
Tidy hems will also help protect the structure of your crocheted garment, such as a row or two of single crochet around the neckline, armholes, and bottom hem.
More Transportable For Crocheting On The Go
Working a garment pattern in several pieces – like front and back panels, sleeves, etc – makes the work-in-progress pattern easy to take with you on the go to work on trains, in parks or restaurants, at friends houses, or even just carrying around your own home.
Clothing items can get quite bulky as they grow, so working on them piece by piece and seaming the pieces together later can save on space when taking projects out and about with you.
Can Be Utilized As An Interesting Design Element
Seamed garments are typically sewn together with mattress stitch, whipstitch, or single crochet worked on the inside of the garment. But single crochet seams can be made on the outside of a garment to create a neat design element.
You can also use a contrasting color to the main body of the garment for a different effect.
To me, the benefits of seams in crocheted clothing patterns are worth it. I know putting all the pieces together can seem a little tricky if you’ve never done it before, but once you try you’ll you’ll see that it’s not that difficult. and your final, finished garment will be better for it!
